GerryShedd
Super Moderator
Preview from the Somerset perspective.
https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/first-xi/royal-london-cup-preview-warwickshire-v-somerset/
They can (just about) qualify, depending on other results/
There's quite a few unfamiliar names in their squad.
By the way, here's the letter in full:
https://tickets.edgbaston.com/resources/samp/EDG/EDG_Member_Email_10_8_dN8ZQDjnaisLlstfgnbNguOh7o%3D.html
FuerteventuraBear wrote:
At times it has been Tyrrellble to witness
Would you like to get your coat?
I had to check who Tim David was. I think that, with that innings, his List A batting average after a dozen games is about 80.
I guess it could turn quite ugly at the Hundred games if supplies of Butterkist Popcorn ran out or there was panic buying of the doubly unhealthy Sweet & Salty range.
As a member, just had an email from Stuart Cain about member behaviour in which he says:
"Since returning, the majority of Members and spectators have been excellent in supporting the Bears, but there have been issues regarding some people’s conduct, particularly in the lounges."
Anyone seen any signs of this? It isn't entirely clear whether this refers to behaviour during The Hundred matches or Bears matches, though the implication is that it is the latter.
Highveld wrote:
Great to hear Jeremy Coney on the commentary. A wonderful voice and great knowledge of the game.
A great delivery to get Pollock, but a good opening partnership.
I agree about Jeremy Coney - so knowledgeable and such a strong, warm personality. I think he is much under-used.
Yes, Brad Hogg was the last (and only previous?) Bear to bowl left arm wrist spin.
Mixed news on injuries:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-bowlers-edge-closer-to-return/
Not working yet, then, Graham?
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jun/14/graham-thorpe-the-hundred-can-help-england-struggling-test-batsmen
Although written from a Yorkshire perspective, this is a sympathetic report from Chris Waters:
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/cricket/yorkshire-v-warwickshire-royal-london-cup-white-rose-youngsters-making-the-most-of-their-chance-with-victory-in-cup-3333452
Inspired by The Hundred, Kevin Pietersen sets out his views on the way forward for first class cricket in the UK:
https://wisden.com/stories/news-stories/kevin-pietersen-proposes-radical-franchise-restructure-of-english-first-class-system
The big hope must be that, with Pietersen backing the idea, there is no chance of the ECB backing it. If only Michael Vaughan can be persuaded to support Pietersen's idea, the safety of the 18 counties will be guaranteed.
I had somehow missed Woakes, Mousley and Sidebottom from my list of absent players.
So if you add them to the 12 I mentioned, my question would be - if all of them were available, how many of the team that played against Leicestershire would be selected?
I think we can assume Rhodes as captain and Burgess as wicket keeper plus Yates on his performances this season. Lamb would also be able to stake a claim and (just possibly) Pollock but maybe no-one else.
That doesn't quite make the team that played on Thursday the equivalent of a second team but, as we knew it would be with The Hundred happening, it's a long way from full strength. All the more credit, therefore, for the players who achieved the win. And taking a longer term view, players such as Bethell and Brookes are getting some fantastic experience which should help to advance their careers.
I agree that George has gone a bit over the top on this one.
I suppose that there is a case for saying that Warwickshire have been so hit by injuries that they are closer to fielding a second team than most other counties. It's worth speculating how many of the following would have been in the team if fit and available for the Leicestershire game:
Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Henry Brookes, Sam Hain, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Jake Lintott, Craig Miles, Liam Norwell, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Adam Hose - plus maybe Pieter Malan as an overseas star.
I agree with the view that those of us who have changed our opinion of Ed Pollock have done so because he has changed his approach and become much more mature about how he builds an innings.
It may seem odd in view of their respective ages but I wonder if Ed Pollock has learned something from Rob Yates.
In any event, it's good news that we have seen hundreds from each of the two openers in the last two games.
I was confused at first because Cricinfo currently has only nine men in the Bears' team - hopefully they will put that right.
It will be interesting to see how Bulpitt and Carver fare. I am pleased that Bethell stays in the team because he looks like a real talent to be nurtured.
Generally around the country, the weather seems to be a bit better than forecast so there must be hope for a game even if the overs have to be reduced.
Start delayed.
Not sure where this leaves left arm spinner Jacob Bethell, who I thought showed great promise with bat and ball.